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Gynaecologists and dermatologists have advised pregnant women to be careful when using skincare products, emphasizing that ingredients applied to the skin can enter the bloodstream and possibly affect the growing baby.

The specialists were in agreement that although attractiveness and personal care hold significance, they should never jeopardize a child’s well-being.

In an exclusive conversation with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts emphasized that pregnant women should focus on the well-being of their developing babies rather than appearance-related issues and seek advice from their medical professionals if they have any uncertainties about a product.

A specialist in gynaecology, Dr. Akinsola Akinde, warned that numerous beauty and skin care products available today include heavy metals and other chemicals that could pose risks during pregnancy.

Akinde, who previously served as the Chairman of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, stated that when these substances are applied to the skin, they do not remain just on the surface but can pass through the skin barrier and enter the body’s overall system, a mechanism referred to as transdermal absorption.

A specialist in maternal health pointed out that specific heavy metals, including mercury and lead, along with bleaching substances such as hydroxyquinolones, might result in serious issues if utilized during pregnancy.

He stated that the risks are especially significant during the initial phases of pregnancy, when the fetus’s major organs are developing. #

The doctor mentioned that contact with these dangerous materials might cause serious birth defects and, in certain situations, could result in a miscarriage if the harm is significant enough to lead to the loss of the pregnancy.

“Pregnant women should be aware that skincare products can have repercussions. If these harmful substances are absorbed in large amounts, they may affect the developing child,” he cautioned.

The obstetrician recommended that all skincare products with heavy metals or whitening ingredients should be entirely avoided while pregnant.

Rather, he suggested straightforward and natural options like petroleum jelly, olive oil, or coconut oil, which he characterized as safe, mild, and harmless to both the mother and the infant.

He stated, “Pregnant women should ensure that any skincare products they use do not include substances that could potentially harm the growing baby. Even if the ingredients appear safe, it’s wiser to be cautious.”

Akinde also noted that skin changes are frequent during pregnancy, as many women develop issues like hyperpigmentation and acne.

He stated that these issues are typically short-term and usually go away following delivery, and advised women against using strong cosmetic procedures that could pose risks to their infants.

“Pregnancy is a period of transformation, and many of these changes, particularly those affecting the skin, will naturally disappear after childbirth. That is a minor cost to bear for the privilege of welcoming a new life into the world,” he added.

In the same way, a dermatologist working at a hospital in Lagos, Dr. Abiola Oduyemi, highlighted that numerous women frequently fail to recognize the dangers linked to common skincare products while pregnant.

She pointed out that pregnant women are inherently more at risk due to the physical changes their bodies experience, which can increase their vulnerability to the harmful impacts of chemicals that are absorbed through the skin.

Oduyemi stated that the hormonal changes during pregnancy affect not only the skin’s response to external substances but also impact the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.

A skincare expert cautioned that some products, particularly those promoted for skin whitening, anti-aging, or acne management, might include potent ingredients like retinoids, salicylic acid, and steroids, which could lead to teratogenic effects and disrupt typical fetal growth.

“Since the skin is the body’s largest organ, any substance applied to it can enter the bloodstream. During pregnancy, your body becomes a shared system with your baby. Therefore, if you absorb it, your baby is also likely to absorb it,” she explained.

She also emphasized that numerous pregnant women often apply several beauty products simultaneously without reviewing the ingredient lists or seeking medical advice.

She stated that the combined impact of using multiple products might lead to significant chemical exposure over time, thereby raising the likelihood of affecting the developing fetus.

The expert also voiced worries regarding the insufficient regulation and monitoring within the beauty industry, pointing out that numerous skincare items available in open markets and online stores fail to adhere to safety requirements.

She urged regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to increase oversight and implement tighter regulations to safeguard at-risk groups, particularly expectant mothers.

She recommended that pregnant women consult a professional before adding any new skincare product to their regimen and encouraged them to stick with more straightforward routines.

She said, “It’s better to keep skincare simple while pregnant — moisturizers, gentle soaps, and natural oils are typically sufficient. You can go back to your regular routine after giving birth when your baby is no longer in direct contact with what you apply.”

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).